The late George Burns told a joke about what he did first thing in the morning. The elderly comedian quipped, “I comb my hair–and then I put it on.”
That routine takes on new life in this spot for Dunkin’ Donuts featuring Boston Red Sox centerfielder Johnny Damon, a popular player known for his timely hits–and his long flowing hair. But the legitimacy of those locks is called into question as this :30 opens in the Sox locker room lavatory.
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein walks in and then stops dead in his tracks. The camera then reveals what took Epstein by surprise–a baldheaded Damon, who’s combing his hair, which is perched on a mannequin’s head.
“Dude, promise me you will not say anything,” says Damon. Epstein agrees, but exacts a heavy price: Damon’s nearby beverage, a Dunkin Donuts’ iced latte.
After a brief intermission for the obligatory product shot of the latte–which comes in chocolate banana and chocolate strawberry flavors–we return to Damon and Epstein. This time the two meet up in the stadium stands. Damon, holding another iced latte, walks by a seated Epstein. Damon asks rhetorically, “We’re cool, right?”
Well, not exactly. Epstein replies, “I’m still a little thirsty.” Damon hands over the latte and walks away.
The spot wraps with an end tag consisting of the Dunkin’ Donuts logo, accompanied by the slogan, “Bring yourself back.”
“The Bribe” was directed by Hank Perlman of bicoastal/international Hungry Man for Hill Holliday, Boston. Dan Duffy executive produced for Hungry Man, with Tom O’Mally serving as line producer. The DP was Joe DeSalvo.
The Hill Holliday creative team consisted of creative directors Kevin Moehlenkamp and Tim Foley, VP/associate creative director/art director Jeremy Schwartz, copywriter Jim Bell, senior VP/broadcast producer Bryan Sweeney and producer Lisa Belden.
Editor was Gavin Culter of MacKenzie Cutler, New York. Online editor was Jimmy Hayhow of MacKenzie Cutler. Colorist was Tim Masick of Company 3, New York. Audio post mixer was Mackenzie Cutler’s Marc Healy. Lewis Herrin of MacKenzie Cutler was the sound designer.
Music composers were Al Wolovitch and Thad Spencer of Asche & Spencer, Minneapolis.